How to Calculate Width for Framing Doors

Calculating the width for framing doors is a vital part of framing a wall when building or remodeling. The doorframe space, consisting of the doorjamb and the door itself, can vary widely according to the materials used for building. By measuring the actual materials used in order to calculate the needed width, you can avoid having to alter the size of the door upon installation, thereby saving you both time and labor.

Tape measure
Door
King studs
Jack studs

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the door that you’re framing with a tape measure. Note down the width amount.
- 2
  Measure the width of the king studs for the doorframe. The king stud is the stud used as an outside doorjamb framing the door. It runs from the top plate to the bottom plate of your door area. Measure the width of the jack studs that you’re placing inside the frame next to the king studs. This is the other doorjamb stud that rests on the bottom plate and rises several inches above the door height. Each stud is generally made using a 2-by-4 and will likely measure about 1¾-inches in width each. There are two jack studs and two king studs each framing the door.
- 3
  Add the widths of the door and the four doorjamb studs together. Add a full inch, ½-inch for either side of the doorframe for adjustments of the doorjamb to the measured width in order to calculate the fill width of your doorframe.

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